I'm looking at buying a drysuit to extend the riding season here in Sacramento. What are good brands or models to consider? I want something that will last but that is not too expensive. Anyone know of any deals going on?

I have the oneill as well. It is very comfortable and easy to get on and off. I would definetly recommend it. You may get a little water in the neck if you take a bad header but nothing major. I use to have a ski warm sahara. It sucked. I was always soaking wet in it. The other one I like is the barefoot international (BFI) they make really nice suits, they are really heavy duty.

Ditto on the Bare, I had a pinhole in an older model and Mike at Shuswap exchanged it with a newer model no questions asked. I also felt the Bare was a little more comfortable at the neck line than the Oneill

I've run a Bare for 3 seasons and so far so good. Key to these things is regular maintenance. I've seen a few other suits that have some more cool features such as velcro wrist pulls that I don't have on my Bare, but I'm satisfied.

David, I am just a little shorter and lighter then you, and my BFI XXL drysuit works great!! It' is a little big, but it is also a bag style drysuit that you can wear clothes under. Remember that your clothes add to your size, therefore the drysuit has to be a little big. Plus it is a little oversize, you won't feel constricted.

Most of dry suits I have seen are really baggy allowing for more movement ect. The 46" + is probably just to allow for plenty of space and all because the ones I have seen dont fit tight like a wetsuit. You really dont want them to though because in really cold water we wear wetsuits or warm clothes underneath.

I've got an Ultra Dry, so I didn't even look at the charts further down - oops. For what it's worth, I recommend the Ultra Dry and second what these other buys are saying - you want this LOOSE. These are baggy suits that you will be wearing clothes under. I think the least important measurement given is the waist. The length of the suit and the size of the seals is a much bigger factor in your comfort. Good luck!